Wellbore Clean-Up Route Maps Using Coupled Simulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring wellbore clean-up operations in hydrocarbon production are inefficient due to unstable flow conditions and unknown effluent compositions, making it challenging to optimize clean-up processes for varying scenarios and facilities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising coupled simulators, including a wellbore clean-up simulator and a commercial process facility simulator, is used to generate route maps based on specific criteria and scenarios, allowing for optimized control variables to be transmitted and executed during clean-up operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single clean-up flow plan is used for all scenarios and facilities, then the process is simplified and easier to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying scenarios and facilities, reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of clean-up flow planVSAvoidadaptability to varying scenarios and facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the clean-up flow plan to change based on real-time conditions. The system monitors flow characteristics, effluent composition, and operational parameters, automatically adjusting the plan to adapt to varying scenarios and facilities while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters dynamically during clean-up operations. By monitoring flow rates, fluid compositions, and pressure conditions, the system adjusts parameters such as choke settings, pump rates, and injection volumes to optimize performance for each specific scenario and facility configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time monitoring and optimization systems are implemented, then adaptability and optimization capability are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization capability for clean-up operationsVSAvoidcomplexity of simulation and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex simulation and optimization task into modular components. The system divides the clean-up process into distinct phases (initial clean-up, transition, and production), with separate simulation models and control strategies for each phase, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary simulation and optimization calculations before actual clean-up operations begin. By pre-calculating optimal parameters and generating reference flow plans for different scenarios, the system reduces real-time computational requirements and simplifies the control system complexity during actual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250067147A1Wellbore clean-up scenario-based optimization

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for receiving an indication of criteria for a function to be performed at a commercial process facility. The criteria are used to determine one or more scenarios that meet the criteria. Coupled simulators then generate one or more route maps from the one or more scenarios. A route map is selected from the one or more route maps that causes at least one operation of the route map to be performed.